As many of you know, my husband and I lived in Warsaw, Poland for 2 years through his employer.  We experienced many things, me more so then him as I was always "touring" around Warsaw etc. 

So, how do you spot an American in Poland??  It's all about the SHOES!  We flew to Warsaw just days before Christmas, looking back now, we are not sure why.  Before we left Arizona, we celebrated Christmas with my parents.  All I wanted for Christmas was a new pair of Tennis Shoes, I knew I would be doing a LOT of walking.  So my parents bought me a new pair of white tennis shoes, perfect, I was SO excited! 

The next day we boarded the airplane for the LONG flight overseas.  I wore my new shoes proudly, they were perfect for walking through the airports etc.  When we arrived in Poland, we took a taxi to our hotel, dropped off our suitcases, showered and decided to take a walk and eat dinner.  We were within blocks of the Old Town Square.  Since my husband had lived in Warsaw previously, he knew of a wonderful restaurant.  After the shower, I got dressed and put on my new shoes.  It was winter in Warsaw, it was beautiful, lightly snowing, but warm enough to walk.

We walked to the Old Town Square, so many beautiful buildings, we walked around and then went to eat.  The food was fabulous, after dinner we walked around some more and did a little window shopping.  When we were walking back to the hotel, I asked my husband

"Why was everyone staring at my feet?" 

He laughed, "Didn't you notice what color shoes they had on?"
 
"No: I said, "I was to busy looking at the beautiful buildings"

"They knew you were an American even without saying anything because of your white shoes!" 

The last thing I wanted was to stick out since we weren't tourist there, but were going to be living there for a year.  The next day we went shopping to buy a new pair of BLACK shoes!  That way, I could blend in, that is until I spoke!